New ad network targets university students

College-aged consumers are one of the most sought after demographics in the world because of their free time and expendable cash. A new vertical ad network promises to give advertisers a better reach into the demographic.

by Kristina Knight

A recent poll from Harris Interactive found that college student have about $200 billion in "discretionary" spending each year.

"Advanced Student Marketing and vertically-focused communities like it, presents a great opportunity for both advertisers and publishers to connect with the notoriously indecisive college student audience," says Russ Fradin, CEO at Adify. "Vertical ad networks are the most effective and welcome way for advertisers to locate and engage these audiences."

The vertical network helps marketers and etailers connect with the college demographic through content sites. It combines online efforts with email, mobile and direct marketing campaigns so that marketers have a better reach into the age group. Marketers can begin with a text message campaign pushing users to a website or advising them of an email announcement. The can even offer a coupon download directly from the text message.

By giving students choices, it gives them control in the purchasing decision; this is an important aspect for the age group because they prefer to make their own decisions.